Perils of Being a Visionary

     Being a visionary is tough. By definition you alone (or at most, a couple of people) see the vision of greatness you have in mind and most of the time, you're labelled as insane, arrogant or foolish. (Props to you if you get all 3.)

     When Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) took over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), he saw a grand vision. He then put us on the road to that vision by setting up the Gilas program. Gilas 1 was the 1st crack. Rajko Toroman, himself a trail blazer who led Iran to the Olympics, gathered a group of amateur stars to form a national team who would play only for the national team. It was ambitious. Gilas 1? A fourth place finish, courtesy of yet again a heartbreaking loss to Korea, was the Philippines' best FIBA Asia finish since 1985. No Olympic berth? No PBA stars? Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' had a field day.

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said. They didn't get it.

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Judging the "Chotness" of It All

     When the PBA changed the All Star game format back to a "Veterans vs RSJ (Rookies, Sophomores, Juniors)" this season, many assumed it was to take advantage of the rich rookie class that came from Smart Gilas.  While this may turn out to be a shrewd move, business-wise, an interesting by-product has come about.  Chot Reyes as, "national coach 2.0" may get an early aptitude exam as well.

     The Veteran All Star line up have been finalized:

Starters: Mark Caguioa, JC Intal, Mark Pingris, James Yap and Arwind Santos
Bench: Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, L.A Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and Alex Cabagnot

     The RSJ Team, meanwhile, will have:

Starters: JVee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Josh Urbiztondo
Bench: Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Rico Maierhoffer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Ross

     Apart from the weird starting line ups which features no centers, no point guards on one side and two on the other, what is most interesting is that, it is like Smart Gilas 1 versus Smart Gilas 2.  The veterans features 10 of the 16 players Chot named to the new national team pool.  Only controversial choices Rico Villanueva, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier (plus Ranidel de Ocampo) are missing.  Meanwhile, the RSJ team features seven (eight if Al-Hussaini is included) of the Rajko-trained Gilas ballers in their team.  Missing only are non pros Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos.  Of course, since the line ups are not complete, it hardly gives us an accurate picture, but it does pose some interesting questions.

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Crack in the Dam

     Everyone knows it by now.  Smart Gilas Pilipinas placed fourth after losing two heartbreakers in the semi-final and battle for third games in the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Championships.  As expectations are not met and emotions run high, lost in all the hatred, armchair coaching, finger pointing and disappointment are the important things.


History Made

     People stuck on the fact that Smart Gilas lost the bronze are stuck on the wrong thing.  Entering the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia is not a easy thing to do for the Philippines.  Consider the fact that the last time the Philippines made the semi-final was in 1987.  Since that time, the country has voted (in some cases, apparently not) 4 presidents, endured at least 10 different coup attempts, as well as participated in 10 FIBA Asia tournaments (missing 1 due to suspension), but the country has never repeated the feat. Until this year.  When one considers that, plus the fact that Middle East teams like Iran, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan emerged as Asian powers over the past 6-8 years to make the list of top teams in Asia balloon to 8, and the fact that the Philippines once placed as poor as 15th (out of 16) less than a decade ago, one cannot help but appreciate the efforts of Smart Gilas.  Bearing in mind that the Gilas program was on its third year, you have to tip your hats off to them.  China's core group of players have been playing together for 5-6 years while runner up Jordan is on its fifth year.  In short, the program is on track, needing only more time.

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The Human Condition

     One of my favorite lines in the Eddie Murphy movie, "The Golden Child," is from the Tibetan monk, who wistfully told his daughter, "These marvelous Americans, they have the power but they don't know how to use it."  It was too much like stereo-typing, but then again, there are some that make the line the cold truth.  Certainly, these three contribute to solidify the monk's statement.     


Blood Boil

     Some say that if not properly punished, the offender will be doomed to repeat the crime.  Barely punished two years ago when she castigated and threatened a USTA official, Serena Williams again unleashed her fury, this time on a chair umpire who gave her opponent Sam Stosur a point due to a fault.  Not satisfied with just arguing, Williams then accused the umpire of being the same umpire from the past, saying, "It was you."  It turns out, not only is the umpire a different person, she's not even from the same country! That just reads too close to "Y'all look alike." for comfort for me.  Being one of the few successful African American players on the tennis circuit, Serena is in a position to influence a tremendously large amount of minors who strive to better themselves through the sport.  Instead of showing class on top of her physical gifts, she once again showed poor anger management, lack of courtesy and borderline racist behavior.

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The Toroman Effect

      As Smart Gilas Pilipinas begins it's final push and with the 2012 Olympic berth at stake in less than three weeks, attention has unfortunately focused on Coach Rajko Toroman's expiring contract.  After October 15, Toroman's contract expires and the question is, will MVP renew his contract? 

     MVP is his own man and he makes his own decisions, but he has to fully understand the Toroman effect. As with great art, greatness is not in the flashy colors or the lovely shapes, but in the detail.

Skill Set

     If you watched the PBA draft last Sunday, you've seen the evidence first hand.  Seven of the first round's 10 draft picks were from Toroman's Smart Gilas, but that's not the evidence I was talking about.  Of course, since the Gilas players are composed of the country's best college players 3 years ago, they would naturally be picked early.  Here's the thing though.  Look at what the PBA is getting now.  JVee Casio has become a full time, clutch point guard, just three years after costing La Salle a UAAP championship when he couldn't buy a bucket to save his team in the 4th quarter.  Chris Lutz has developed a strong drive to the hoop two years after he was sought for just his three point shooting. Marcio Lassiter has evolved into a defensive hound.  Mac Baracael, who was known more for being shot at (with a gun) than anything else, has become a legitimate power forward who can shoot the three, box out 7 footers and drive to the basket.  Is anyone really questioning Marc Barroca's heart now?Jason Ballesteros's potential has gone from Samigue Eman to Erik Menk really fast and look ma, Dylan Ababou can play the small forward position and play D!  Yes, all 7 Gilas players would still have been picked, but without Toroman, the PBA teams wouldn't be this happy.  All 7 (instead of probably 3) have become legit PBA players with star potential. 

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Cherry Picking

     Sunday marks the PBA Rookie Draft for the 2011-12 season and with some calling this draft class one of the deepest in years, there is naturally some excitement building up.  From the Fifty Peso Seats presents its own mock draft for the first round.

Pick #1: Powerade Tigers
Greatest Need: All areas
Who They'll Probably Pick: JVee Casio
Who They Should Pick: JVee Casio


     Many believe, and I do too, that the best Gilas players (for the PBA game) are Marcio Lassiter and Mac Baracael, but the Tigers are on a crossroads now.  Their two high picks in this draft mean they can reshape the identity of the team.  With reshaping, you will need a character guy and without Chris Tiu, Casio is the best choice.  He has no ego, leads by example and is clutch.  He is the perfect choice for the Tigers.  Besides, anytime your point guard rotation includes Marvin Cruz and Jai Reyes, you need to pick a point guard. Stat.


Pick #2: Rain or Shine Elastopainters
Greatest Need: Scorers, Post Threat
Who They'll Probably Pick: Paul Lee
Who They Should Pick: Marcio Lassiter


     Rumors are abound that Lee is Coach Yeng Guiao's preferred choice.  I can't blame him, as Lee is definitely a scoring threat the Elastopainters desperately need.  I have my doubts about him though as he could wind up being more of a Bon Bon Custodio than Willie Miller.  Lassiter is a lot tougher and more talented which would give the Painters the backbone most of their players don't have.  Beau Belga can only hurt 1 player at a time.  


Pick #3: Barako Bull (formerly Air 21)
Greatest Need: Playmaker, Forward
Who They'll Probably Pick: Marcio Lassiter
Who They Should Pick: Marcio Lassiter (if taken, Mac Baracael)

     If Lee is taken as the 2nd pick as expected, the Bulls will be fine.  The entry of the 4 former Beermen gave the team a boost, albeit an old one.  They need an infusion of energy in the forward positions and Lassiter is just what the doctor ordered.


Pick #4: Powerade Tigers
Greatest Need: All Areas
Who They'll Probably Pick: Chris Lutz
Who they Should Pick: Mac Baracael (if taken, Jason Ballesteros)


     Rumors are Lutz is in the Tigers' sights.  I say, bad move.  Lutz is very talented, but the Tigers are very weak upfront.  Baracael will be an awesome "4" in the PBA since he had held his own against the bigs of Asia and he can shore up the Tigers' aging frontcourt.  Besides, they have Gary David and Mark Macapagal for the two and three position in the meantime.


Pick #5: B Meg Derby Ace Llamados
Greatest Need: Point Guard
Who They'll Probably Pick: Mark Barroca
Who They Should Pick: Mark Barroca


     B Meg is pretty loaded at most positions, but they could use a point guard to finally move Roger Yap to his natural shooting guard position.  Barroca is of course the most logical choice, but he will have to learn to pass more.  A grumpy James Yap would trouble for the Llamados.


Pick #6: Alaska Aces

Greatest Need: Power Forward, Point Guard
Who They'll Probably Pick: Mac Baracael
Who They Should Pick: Mac Baracael (if taken, Paul Lee or Jason Ballesteros)


     The Aces lost a lot when they traded away Joe de Vance as the triangle goes a lot better with big forwards that can shoot the ball.  Baracael fits the bill and Coach Tim Cone can discipline the seemingly distracted Baracael.  If the Tigers smarten up and pick Baracael, Lee may be a good choice for the Aces.  He can be an upgrade over Bon Bon Custodio or at least be somebody similar.


Pick #7: Talk and Text Tropang Texters
Greatest Need: Shooters
Who They'll Probably Pick: Dylan Ababou
Who They Should Pick: Chris Lutz (if taken Dylan Ababou)


     Rumors are the Texters will trade this pick, but if they keep it, they need to shore up on shooters.  Game 7 of the Governor's Cup Finals exposed the Texters as a team that shoots threes but at a poor rate. Ryan Reyes and Larry Fonacier can shoot but not consistently enough in pressure situations. Either Lutz or Ababou would be an upgrade, in the shooting department at least.  Man, this team will be loaded with Japeth Aguilar back.


Pick #8: Petron Blaze Boosters
Greatest Need: Big Man
Who They'll Probably Pick: Allein Maliksi or Dylan Ababou
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Reil Cervantes)


     Talks are the Blaze Boosters are looking for scoring help but I can't see why.  They won without Jay Washington and Joseph Yeo so when those two guys come back, they don't really need more scorers.  A big would help as Mick Pennisi and Danny Ildefonso are getting on in years.  Ballesteros would be a perfect third center for them.


Pick #9: Baranggay Ginebra Kings
Greatest Need: Big Man
Who They'll Probably Pick: Reil Cervantes
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Magi Sison)


     Obviously the Kings don't need guards yet and their big man rotation is aging and getting more injury prone by the minute.  Losing Rudy Hatfield meant a hole at the "4" so Cervantes' name has been floating around.  Ballesteros, though, would be a better fit as he can replace the Kings'  Billy Mamaril and Erik Menk, neither of whom has played an entire conference, let alone a season.  I like Cervantes but with Willy Wilson and JC Intal, they don't really need another small power forward.  


Pick #10: Barako Bull
Greatest Need: Center, Forward
Who They'll Probably Pick: Jason Ballesteros
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Reil Cervantes or Allein Maliksi)


     Dorian Pena is getting old and after that, the center slot is pretty unimpressive.  Ballesteros would be great on this team as well and if he is taken, Cervantes can be brought in to bang bodies.  Maliksi might be good pick as well to bring in a little bit more scoring.

State of the Nation

     With President Aquino delivering his 2nd State of the Nation Address, the Filipino basketball world unexpectedly got one too, as the improbable Smart (NBA) All Stars vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas became a reality.  Here's my Basketball SONA, shortened, of course.

• Sunday's game was the first time the final pool of Smart Gilas players were suited up together.  Only Ranidel de Ocampo, who was injured, didn't play.  Question is, with 15 players in the pool, who is losing a roster spot?  Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros are probably resigned to their fate, but who will be the last cut? Is Marc Barroca in trouble with Jimmy Alapag there or are Japeth's defensive lapses costing him a spot?  Is it simply too late to add Ranidel de Ocampo?

• Coach Toroman's system is good, reason # 243:  Despite the presence of bonafide NBA superstars, the Gilas players showed nothing but determination throughout the game.  They ran the same plays crisply and none were tempted to break from the system to showboat.  In fact, the only players who seemed star struck were PBA vets Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.

• It's unfair to think that the game was "scripted" or the NBA Stars "took it easy (pinagbigyan)."  Their play was way different from Saturday's dunk-a-thon against the PBA selection.  Kobe played a ton of minutes and went after every ball.  Chris Paul seemed to be in pain yet played until the endgame.  Overall, the NBA stars attempted less dunks and lazy 24 footers, and scored on plenty of offensive putbacks and post ups.  Even Javale McGee couldn't find the time to plank.  By the 4th quarter, veterans Derek Fisher and Chris Paul were complaining to the refs and hitting guards Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.  Gilas executed well and played with a lot of gumption and they earned every bit of that 9 point loss.

• It's also unfair to say the PBA has become a bunch of has beens or "puro papogi (showboats)."  The PBA selection never had time to play together so they had no plays.  Resorting to one on one plays played right into the NBA's hands, hence the 26 point shellacking.  It is fair, however, to point out that that game is the perfect example of why the Gilas program must continue.  PBA selections may be loaded with talent, but they will never have the time to prepare for years and no one can force them to since the PBA is a private enterprise.

• Gilas players and coaches have all said it, and it is worth repeating.  The best part about the game is not that they got to play NBA stars or that we got to see them.  For 3 basketball minutes, the entire Araneta Coliseum was united behind Smart Gilas Pilipinas, chanting "Defense!"  Compared to the last time they were playing in the same venue, where PBA die-hards were booing them, the 4th quarter of that game was a heartwarming moment.  Those 3 minutes mean more to the Gilas players than people can ever imagine.

• The best closing argument to defending the Gilas program ironically comes from the mouth of a foreigner.  "You just have to support this team," says 5-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kobe Bryant.  He called the team "talented" and he marvelled at their execution.  Judging from the way Kobe scored and defended, it is easy to believe he meant every word.

     Everyone's thanking MVP for the "gift" of bringing the NBA players here, giving the country a rare chance to see NBA stars in their prime.  We are better served to thank him for another thing too.  The Ultimate All Star weekend also showed us a sight that has become all too rare.  The weekend showed us a tough, strong, talented, and united National Basketball Team that will make us proud by playing the same proud and disciplined way, regardless of who the opponents are.

many thanks to united philippine basketball and rodney torres for the pictures

Drawing Interest

     The groupings of the upcoming 26th FIBA-Asia Championships have been drawn and much has been said about how the Philippines got a favorable draw.  Here are other interesting tidbits about the draw.

• China, as the host (yet again), had their choice of groups and they picked Group D where the Philippines is.  Coach Rajko Toroman says it's because our group is the easiest and it's good for the Philippines, since we won't meet China in an elimination game until possibly the finals.  I say it works the other way around too.  Since 1990, China has never really blown away the Philippines in a knockout game, with leads averaging 9 or 10 points.  Now with Marcus Douthit and Toroman, they may want to avoid us in the knockout stages too.

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Novel Ideas

     I don't claim to be the brightest bulb in any room, even in the kitchen, but if people who thought they weren't the smartest never threw their ideas out there, who knows what great inventions we would've missed?  So, here are two that would be great for Philippine basketball.


Survivor Series

     As early as now, doomsayers (or "true fans," as they fancy to call themselves), lick their chops in anticipation of Smart Gilas' failure to qualify to the 2012 London Olympics, they are predicting the disbandment of the current Gilas roster and maybe even the program itself.  Coach Rajko Toroman and Captain Chris Tiu have batted for Gilas' continued existence and I think it's not too impossible to keep it running.  

     Given that most of Gilas want to join the PBA and start earning pro money, several players will survive to stay in Gilas. Tiu has been candid about preferring to play for the country and Marcus Douthit would love to stay as well.  Add in the current amateurs Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos and Gilas already has four relatively experienced players.  Now, say Manny Pangilinan opens his wallet and offers the PBA maximum salary to JVee Casio, he would stay as well.  Then, Gilas can complete its roster with players from the Sinag program, guys like R.R. Garcia, Terrence Romeo, Jeric Teng and even players like Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena and the mysteriously absent Art de la Cruz Jr.  If the team continues to need reinforcements, they can then ask for "PBA reinforcements," meaning the current Gilas players (that would already be in the PBA by then) who already know the system.  Even if they rejoin Gilas late in the game, they can immediately jump back in.  This way, the Smart Gilas program continues, the PBA gets the Gilas players they covet so much and we still have a continuing basketball program who lives and breathes amateur style ball.  


     It's not the best solution available, but it is the most possible isn't it?


Summer Slam


     Another idea that would be a boon to Philippine basketball would involve nothing but a calendar.  One of the problems Smart Gilas has been encountering lately is manpower problems.  PBA reinforcements have left the team in the cold to play pro ball while college standouts have been called back to play in the UAAP.  Am I daft or could this all be solved by checking the calendar?

     The UAAP runs from July to September or even October.  Everyone knows that that time is the perfect preparation time for all big FIBA tournaments as the big ones are usually set in August or September.  It then begs the question, "Why not schedule the UAAP/NCAA games in the summer?"  The summer, March to May, would be perfect for college ball.  With school out, players can concentrate on playing and their studies wouldn't suffer.  More students could come and watch too as they all have no homework or projects to worry about.  Meanwhile, players will be available for national team duty starting May and they would be ready by September.  

     Ditto for the PBA as well.  Since the league loves the NBA so much, why not copy it?  If the season starts October, it can end by June or July.  If any (and we're talking of only a few players) are called for national team duty, they would be available early, especially those whose teams are eliminated early.  They will also be available months before the big FIBA tournaments.  Besides, avoiding the July to September time would also be helpful to fill up arenas.  Avoiding games during this time can help the PBA avoid typhoon and flooding season and even the big Hollywood summer movie season, both of which are significant challengers to game attendance.


     Am I over-simplifying things or are our supposedly "eternal problems" in Philippine basketball entirely solvable?  All I know is, if we all want it so much, we can find a way to make Philippine basketball one big successful situation.     


photos courtesy of FIBA Asia and inboundspass

Bitter Pills

     Despite the gutsy effort from Smart Gilas Pilipinas in the recently-concluded 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup resulting in a record 4th place finish, there continues to be brickbats thrown at the national team and its followers scrambling to defend them.  With Gilas' ultimate goal waiting in September in Wuhan, China, the country has barely three months to unite everyone to present a united front.  For both the haters and the fans, here are some bitter pills to swallow.


For the Smart Gilas Fans


Pill # 1 Smart Gilas players have yet to learn everything.

     As long as they have trained together, it's clear Gilas needs more time.  Too often the players try too hard to find the completely open shot, foregoing a relatively open shot and thereby stagnating the offense.  It's admirable that the players are very unselfish with the ball, but they should also be wary of passing up shots and later causing a forced one before the shot clock expires.  The next three months are crucial to these young men, as the multiple tune up games will give them opportunities to learn more discretion in shooting.


Pill # 2 Smart Gilas needs the PBA's help.

     Of course, its ideal to have players be with the program for the entire three years. PBA players joining the team after the Governors' Cup in August could disrupt chemistry but Gilas needs reinforcements. Each of Coach Rajko Toroman's choices for PBA help serve to plug the holes in the team.  If Gilas were a 6 to 8 year program then it would be fine to go all amateur, but since everyone wants Gilas to win this year or bust, then, PBA reinforcements are key.

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Director's Cut

     It was an anti-climactic close out game for Gilas, as poor shooting, especially from outside the three point arc doomed them as they succumbed to Al Rayyan Qatar, 71 to 64 to settle for 4th place in the 22nd FIBA Asia Champion's Cup, the Philippine's highest placing in 15 years.  Nevertheless, there was no diminishing the sterling performance of this young team, evident in the way the crowd waited until after the game to give them an applause they truly deserved.  While my penchant for verbosity can talk about Gilas and their performance endlessly, I feel it's best to take others' words this time.


Audio Commentary

• "You guys (Gilas) almost had it. Just a few more shots and you could've won," proclaimed ASU Jordan star Osama Dahgles after the Iran vs Gilas game when I ran into him at the Podium.  He was shaking his head in disbelief.

• "Like has been their wont in the competition – some might even say for the last three years – Smart Gilas displayed tremendous character and characteristic effervescence in the display of their sublime skills," according to S. Mageshwaran of FIBA-Asia.

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Lighthouse

     They did not disappoint.  What was billed as an epic battle was indeed just that.  The capacity crowd, filled with Filipinos and a small, dedicated group of Persians, were left cheering, shouting and shaking their heads in disbelief.  After all, the finish typified the struggle both teams faced the entire game.    Even clutch free throws from Nikkhah Bahrami could not close out the feisty Pinoys, as Mahram watched with clenched teeth as Gilas attempted two open threes that would've tied the game.  Smart Gilas Pilipinas and Mahram Iran battled, scraped and fought for 40 hard minutes and in the end, the result, an 80-77 win by Mahram was only as important as the war that preceded it.  


High Lights


1.  What was most gratifying to see in the game was the effort from both teams.  Many detractors have pointed out that this wasn't the Olympic qualifier; a victory here would not add to the Olympic chances of either team.  Yet, on the court, both teams gave literally everything they've got and in that way, gave honor to the game of basketball that often times has been tarnished by betting and cash.  

2.  Iran, as expected, was very disciplined, very athletic and very big, but apparently, no one told Smart Gilas that.  Gilas today showed a swagger, a confidence and a certain defiance and it showed on the court.  Gone are the blank looks of confusion and shock from the other Philippine teams of the past.  Today there were only intense, passionate looks and it translated into the superb play the crowd witnessed.

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Spot the Difference

     Not since 2007 has a non-Middle East team made it to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, and it figures that Smart Gilas, the team that could, is the one who made it.  Trailing by as many as 15, Gilas summoned the courage and resiliency I've been saying (for the past 2 years) they have to rattle off a searing run, capped by a Chris Tiu 3 pointer and a Japeth Aguilar 3-point play to seize the lead from Al-Jalaa Syria.  Then, they never looked back and held on to make history, beating Syria, 85-80.


     Finally getting into the Phil Sports Arena early, I got to talking to some of the spectators and it was truly a rewarding experience.

     Getting into the Iran-Saudi Arabia game at the 3rd quarter, I notice rabid cheering for the defending champs and I'm startled to see the score show a 25 point lead.  Judging by the noise, I would've thought the score was a lot closer.  I then fix my eyes on the source of all the excitement.  I meet Amin, a college student,  just one of the close to 50 "Proud Persians" in the lower box stands, cheering lustily for their dominant team.  During a timeout, we get to talking and Amin was a blast to talk with.  "It doesn't matter if they win or not; if they're champion or not," explains Amin when I ask him about Iran's chances in the tournament.  "They are heroes and we support them with our last breath."  

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The Sweet Escape

     It was a nail-biting finish, a crowd-pleaser I might add, as Smart Gilas Pilipinas defeated ASU Jordan, 76-74.  In a very physical game punctuated by great defense on both sides, Gilas grew up before the eyes of the almost capacity crowd as it used even-keeled play to steel themselves through questionable calls (lots of them) to victory.  With a significant win like this, there are signs to take note of on both sides of the spectrum.


The "Heart" in Sweetheart

1.  You have to give it to the old guy.  Senior statesman Asi Taulava once again provided plenty of energy for the Gilas squad, constantly banging with ASU import Jameel Watkins, inhaling rebounds and defending the paint.  It's almost as if being with the young kids of Gilas has revitalized Asi and it's serving the country well. If anyone doubts his FIlipino side, then you're not watching the game and how Asi plays.  He is as Pinoy as isaw.


2.  Give the newest 34 year old the Medal of "Valorie." Don Don Hontiveros waited until his birthday to unleash his breakout game, knocking in 6 triples and 23 points overall.  More impressive though was the fact that he came back to finish the game after his calf cramped up.  Asking to be subbed after his 5th triple, Hontiveros got his calf massaged, then came back and finished ASU off. I've always known Hontiveros was the best choice for a PBA guard reinforcement and I'm glad Coach Toroman and I were on the same wavelength.

3.  Someone get JV some "JW" Johnny Walker (Blue).  Receiving a tremendous tongue lashing from Coach Toroman for iffy decisions and botched plays, JVee Casio was a picture of a completely downtrodden man, or so I thought.  Casio did what real men do and that is step up to the challenge.  Shrugging off early game blues, Casio had a big second half, including 2 crucial short stabs and two big free throws to keep Jordan at bay.  That's our point guard right there and aren't we glad he's a toughie?

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Rumors, Facts and Humor

     In what was clearly their ugliest game of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, Smart Gilas Pilipinas managed a 74-64 victory over upstart Duhok Iraq.  Former Gilas naturalization candidate C.J. Giles saved his best game for his former mates, producing a 20 point, 23 rebound performance. Gilas, as usual, spread the wealth with Marcus Douthit (14 points, 15 rebounds), Marc Barroca (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Chris Tiu (11 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists).  Meanwhile, let's go showbiz with some "rumors, facts and humor."


Rumors

1.  Forget the salary cap conspiracies.  Joe de Vance has become a regular fixture at the Gilas games, and he tweeted some kind words about the team.  Since he's now Air 21 (or could he be headed to an MVP-owned team?), isn't it a possibility that he be released in time to practice with Gilas if Kelly Williams is unavailable?


2.  Coach Rajko Toroman was as animated as ever, especially with tons of questionable calls throughout the game.  He got into animated conversations with Duhok players Chudnay Gray and Qutaiba Al-Doori as well.  What were they talking about? 

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7 Pieces (of trivia)

     In Day 2 of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, Smart Gilas Pilipinas destroyed the KL Westport Dragons of Malaysia, 95-64.  While Gilas played listlessly in the first half (and let the Dragons end the 1st half with the lead), they came roaring back with tremendous defense in the 2nd, allowing the Dragons only 24 points.  To amuse myself in the listless first half, I began asking myself questions and I've come up with these 7 entertaining pieces of trivia.

1.  Dylan Ababou scored 6 points in 5 minutes 4 seconds in Gilas' first game.  In tonight's game, Ababou scored 5 in 3 minutes 43 seconds.  That means Ababou has more points than minutes played, with a ratio of 1.25 points per 1 minute. Talk about a scoring machine!


2.  Gilas now holds the distinction of not only being the 1st team to use all 12 players but also having all 12 score at least 2 points, as Asi Taulava and Jason Ballesteros scored today.


3.  Marcus Douthit played only 19 minutes and 20 seconds today, making this his shortest stint in a sanctioned game, since being ejected for an altercation in the finals of the Dubai International.

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Five Things

     The big news of the night would be Smart GIlas Pilipinas drubbed Saudi Arabia, 101-69, to auspiciously open their bid in the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup.  I think it's the least exciting of the encouraging news of the night.  Everyone expects Gilas to beat Saudi, but here are the five things I deem more exciting from tonight's game.

5. The Excellence of Execution - It was truly a refreshing sight to see PBA All Stars Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag on the Gilas bench.  More exciting to see, though,  is how hard Hontiveros was playing to acclimate himself into the rotations.  GIlas was able to run a couple of sets with Hontiveros in, so it seems he's picking things up well.  Alapag may not have played but it was great seeing him consult with JV Casio about where point guards would go during a particular play.

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Open Letter to Commissioner Chito Salud

Mr. Chito Salud
Commissioner, Philippine Basketball Association
186 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City


Dear Sir:


First of all, allow me to tell you that I am an avid PBA fan for over 20 years now.  Ever since Great Taste traded away Manny Victorino, Jimmy Manansala and cash for a rookie named Allan Caidic, I was hooked.  By extension, I moved on to the Ginebra train when Caidic became Assistant Coach to Rino Salazar.  In fact, a big part of the reason my blog, From the Fifty Peso Seats, was put up is because of this love for Asia's first pro basketball league.  This is why recent developments have caused me great concern.  I see you every time I watch the PBA live (which is often) and I know you are a hands-on commissioner.

The current semi-final series between Smart Gilas and the Baranggay Ginebra Kings has not been the dream series I anticipated it to be.  I'm not even talking about the perceived partial officiating wherein Nate Brumfield gets 27 free throw attempts, equal to the entire Smart Gilas total for the game.  You see, it doesn't matter to me whichever team wins because I love them both.  What matters is the quality and the morality of the game.


Everyone talks of how Ginebra is proving too tough for Gilas,  but there is a difference between playing tough and physical and playing dirty and unfortunately, it seems Ginebra has lost track of the line. They are intentionally hurting Gilas in the guise of playing tough. In the video below, Mark Caguioa executes a pre-meditated elbow to the back of Lassiter's head (23 sec mark).  The sad part is, this was the second elbow to the back of the head on a Gilas player in Game 1 (1st one was Yancy de Ocampo's on Douthit, 3rd video 35 sec mark).  There are other incidents too. De Ocampo chops at Douthit's fractured hand (video below). Aside from Caguioa's intentional trip on JV Casio in game 1's 4th quarter (3rd video, 2:13 mark), what scared me the most was Billy Mamaril's intentional squeezing and wrenching of Marcus Douthit's fractured hand, also in the 2nd half.  Unfortunately, I can find no videos of this incident posted yet.  Hopefully you can take a look at them too.

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National Pastime

     Since I began taking note and covering Smart Gilas months after its inception, I've noticed one thing.  No matter what Gilas has or has not achieved, people always post line up suggestions on the comments section of any website or blog.  I've jokingly called it the, "national pastime," since everyone's been doing it.  As with all pastimes, though, it really isn't worth doing unless you do it right.

     Before engaging in my own version of this national pastime, we have to consider certain realities.  First, the only reason why Gilas is asking for PBA players is because of the tremendous pressure the nation is putting on them to produce immediately.  Given the chance, I'm sure Toroman would like this current Gilas team to train until 2016 so the players can mature and gel better, but impatient so-called experts and nationalists are forcing their hand to produce immediately.  Second, Coach Toroman never said he wanted 5 PBA players so he could end up picking just 3 or even 1.  Third, Toroman's picks for PBA players only serve to augment the team, not change it.  This means he needs players than can adapt to the system quickly, not just lights out shooters. 

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Hanging at the Balkans

     I don't know about you, but whenever I finish playing basketball, all I look forward to eating are perfectly-crisp fries and a great burger.  PBA players will probably think the same. That's why Chris Ross, Mac Cardona, Marcus Douthit and Coach Rajko Toroman troop to... a Serbian restaurant?!? 

Goulash: Spicy, Tender Beef Stew

     Located along J Abad Santos St corner Mons St., in San Juan, Balkan Express has become a favorite among ballers and fans alike, and if you take a bite of their Pljeskavica (Burger) or the Chicken "Batak" (Stuffed Chicken) together with their French Fries, you will understand why.  Freshly prepared, a lot of Balkan's favorites feature their own mix of minced meat, which Balkan Express proudly calls the specialty of the house.  They are right.  The minced meat is very flavorful and moist, and combined with perfectly crisp fries, I begin to understand the appeal of this place.  It isn't just the minced meat too.  Balkan also offers other greats like the Mousaka (to be ordered a day in advance), Chicken Kebabs and Goulash.  As I enjoyed the famed minced meat burger stuffed with melted cheese, and enjoy one of the best goulashes I've had in years,  owner Marco Batricevic arrives on his bike, and From the Fifty Peso Seats gets to chat with him.  

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